Where is Pitztal Glacier Austria?
Pitztal Glacier is splendidly located deep in the Pitz valley (Pitztal!) near Austria's 2nd highest peak, the glacier-clad Wildspitze.
The Pitztal Glacier ski resort is in the Austrian state of Tyrol, 52km southwest of Innsbruck (as the crow flies!). The nearest major town is Wenns at the start of the valley, 28km by road to the north of the ski resort.
Closest villages to Pitztal Glacier are the tiny Mittelberg at the base of the funicular & the larger Mandarfen at the base of Rifflsee. Both are under the overarching name of Sankt Leonhard im Pitztal. By train & bus, travel time from Innsbruck is about 1⅔hr & by road about 1½hr (96km).
Flights to Pitztal Glacier
Gateway international airports for Pitztal are Innsbruck (INN) (from within Europe & UK) & Munich (MUC) or Zurich (ZRH) (for everyone else). There are private transfers plus rail & bus connections to Pitztal Glacier. Alternatively, numerous car rental options exist but be wary of hefty security deposits if hiring a car in Zurich, Switzerland.
To search for a great deal on a flight to Innsbruck, Zurich, Munich or other European airport, use our preferred flight search engine.
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Private transfers can easily be arranged to Pitztal Glacier & for reasons of value & efficiency, we recommend looking at a private transfer if in a group of 3 or more people. Private, shared & group transfers are available to/from any of the airports or train stations to/from Pitztal Glacier & surrounding ski resorts.
Search & book all private transfers to Mittelberg, Mandarfen & Pitztal Glacier.
Train & Bus to Pitztal Glacier
A sure way to POW (Protect Our Winters) is by taking the train & bus to Pitztal Glacier via Imst-Pitztal train station (see the Austrian rail map).
From Innsbruck or Landeck, Pitztal is a short train ride to Imst-Pitztal & then the connecting VVT route 4204 bus (hourly) from the train station. Journey time from Innsbruck is about 1hr 40min.
See the route 4204 bus timetable& the route map.
Search & book train tickets to Imst-Pitztal station . Bus tickets can be bought from the bus driver.
Driving to Pitztal Glacier
Driving to the Pitztal is a straightforward exercise. From any direction east or west one will end up on the major A12/E60 motorway through the Inn valley. From Innsbruck travel west for around 55km before turning south at the Imst-Pitztal exit. Journey time is 1½hr.
From Zurich airport, the 277km (4hr) journey is via the A1/A13 motorways before crossing the border near Diepoldsau to join E60/A12 into Austria & continuing to the Imst Pitztal turnoff.
From the turnoff, the journey is via Arzl & Wenns on roads that are easy in all but the worst conditions. The road climbs gently for the next 37km to Mittelberg.
Near the end of the trip, whilst going through Mandarfen, be careful to avoid getting sucked into the Rifflsee car parks. Follow the sign to the Glacier, turning right just before Mittelberg. The Glacier funicular (& the Pitztal Glacier ski area!) base is quite discreet & not visible until reached. Car parks are free & plentiful. Walk to the ticket office is short.
Car Rental & Hire
All the major airports & cities have car hire available. The closest rental location to Pitztal Glacier is Innsbruck, either at the airport or downtown.
If renting a car in Zurich, Switzerland, read the fine print carefully because some locations charge exorbitant security deposits of up to CHF6000. having said that, there are some great car rental options available, just ensure come with winter tyres.
Search & book rental cars.
Getting Around Pitztal
The Pitztal is a long valley with numerous small hamlets & villages. Unless staying near the lift base at Mittelberg or Mandarfen, car or bus is required to reach the resort.
The bus system in the valley is excellent with a prolific amount of bus stations close to all valley hotels & other lodging. Buses can get remarkably busy during the morning rush hour though. Four different free ski bus lines work the valley in winter all the way to the train station & town of Imst. Each line completes a different length & set of stops.
See the Pitztal bus stops for each line.
Nearby Ski Resorts
The Tyrol is a massive ski resort heartland. The companion to Pitztal Glacier & Rifflsee is delightful Hochzeiger, plus one-day at Kaunertal Glacier is included with every multi-day ski pass and is well worth the drive. The Arlberg & St Anton are to the west. The next valley east is the Oetztal with Soelden, Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, Hochoetz & the Powderhounds favourite Kuhtai in its ranks. Get the idea!
